According to a new report from Unity, toxic behaviour in multiplayer games is on the rise. The report details the findings of a study that Unity commissioned Harris Poll to complete this year. Primarily, the report focuses on the UK, the US and South Korea. This year, 74% of players reported encountering harmful behaviour while playing multiplayer games. However, developers seem more willing to address the rise in behaviour than players, with 53% of developers acknowledging it compared to 32% of players.
Toxic behaviour comes in various forms, from cheating to predatory behaviours. Cheating or tampering is the most common harmful behaviour in multiplayer games across the globe, closely followed by intended disruption.
Most players are taking action to combat toxic behaviour. 96% of players are blocking and reporting these behaviours. 67% state they may quit a game that has a hostile community, while 74% avoid games known to have toxic players altogether.
According to developers, 98% of players will respond positively to reducing in-game toxicity. Devs believe reducing toxic behaviours will lead to a 59% increase in player interactions and a 57% increase in continued engagement.
Players feel developers must help stop toxic behaviours
Unity’s toxicity report states that players believe developers and moderators are largely responsible for creating safe in-game environments. Players feel developers are responsible for 49% of safety responsibilities, while moderators hold 42% of the responsibility.
However, players understand that keeping game environments toxicity-free will take a collaborative effort. Reporting and suspension are currently considered the most effective ways to fight toxic behaviour. 54% of developers offer reporting features in their games and 51% offer suspension features.
While developers are offering forms of protection, 89% of them feel they need to do more. Further, 96% of developers agree that effective tools are already available for combating harmful behaviours in multiplayer games. However, only 52% are prioritising investing in such technologies.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
